July 27, 2012 – According to the July 24 update of the UNL Drought Monitor, more than 80% of the conterminous U.S. was experiencing abnormally dry conditions or worse, and more than 20% was classified in the two highest drought categories (“Extreme” & “Exceptional”). Nearly all of the Midwestern Corn Belt is included in the Drought area, with the vast majority of the region classified as “Severe” or worse.

Now that we are firmly into the back side of the 2012 growing season, the “Great Drought of 2012” has clearly taken its toll on the U.S. corn & soybean crops. ...